Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 3

Written Answers. - Methadone Maintenance Programme.

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

62 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to expand the methadone maintenance programme; the proposals, if any, he has to increase the number of satellite clinics; the further plans, if any, he has to introduce mobile clinics; and the current position in relation to the implementation of the methadone protocol. [13706/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Methadone maintenance is an internationally recognised treatment option as a means of reducing the risk of spreading HIV from contaminated needles and of stabilising the behaviour of intravenous drug misusers. The majority of drug misusers reside in the Eastern Health Board, which is engaged in expanding its range of treatment services in order to cope with the demand for these services. At present methadone maintenance is provided to drug misusers through satellite clinics at Baggot Street, Amiens Street and Ballyfermot and also at the Drug Treatment Centre, Pearse Street. I am aware that there are waiting lists for treatment at each of these centres.

Plans are in progress to open two further satellite clinics before the end of the year. In the light of these developments the board will be keeping the situation under continuous review to ensure that it is in a position to respond to needs as they emerge. As part of this response the board will be keeping a number of options for delivery of services under consideration. The introduction of a mobile methadone clinic may arise in that context.

Implementation of the recommendations of the report on the establishment of a protocol on prescribing of methadone which was published in 1993 is at an advanced stage. Most of the recommendations have been adopted. At present over 450 people are prescribed methadone by their general practitioners. Consultations are also in progress with appropriate professional bodies for general practitioners and pharmacists with a view to increasing the number of general practitioners and pharmacists involved in providing services for drug misusers.